I AM the Living BREAD

Transcription

1 On the Wings of Prayer A warm welcome to our parishioners and visitors who are celebrating the Eucharist with us at Sacred Heart Church and Maria Regina Church. Fr George Kolodziej SDS Parish Priest I AM the Living BREAD come down from HEAVEN John 6:41-51 Pope Francis Prayer Intentions For August The Treasure of Families That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicians may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity. Thoughts of Fr Francis Jordan If we desire to save the world and souls, if we desire to come to the aid of the holy church, we must walk the same path walked by Christ and all the saints. Just close your eyes and open your heart, and feel your worries and cares depart. Just yield yourself to the father above, and let Him hold you secure in His love. For life on earth grows more involved, with endless problems that can t be solved. But God only ask us to do our best, then He ll take over and finish the rest. So when you are tired, discouraged and blue, there is only one door that is open to you, and that is the door to the House of Prayer, and you ll find God waiting to meet you there. The House of Prayer is no further away than the quiet spot where you kneel and pray. For the heart is a temple where God is there as we place ourselves in His loving care. He hears every prayer and answers each one, when we pray in His name - Thy will be done. The burdens that seemed too heavy to bear are lifted away on the wings of a prayer. 1 Keenan Street Mona Vale NSW 2103 Tel: Fax office@pittwaterparish.org website:

2 New stock is now available for Confirmation at the Vinnies Sacred Heart Piety Store. The store is open after most masses. All proceeds of the Piety Store go to St Vincent de Paul. We will be at the Reflection Day at Mater Maria Catholic College. All transactions are cash only, as we do not have EFTPOS facilities. Any queries, please call the Parish Office on Vinnies Shop Request Aside from donations, Vinnies raises much needed funds for our various programs through Vinnies shops. We need volunteers to help operate these shops, in particular our very own Mona Vale shop. If you have any time to spare, please do come and drop by the shop and ask the manager for a volunteer form. The Vinnies shop is located at: Shop 8, Bungan Court (Above Aldi) Bungan St. corner of Waratah St. Mona Vale or call Tel No If you are unable to volunteer at this time, do visit our shop and appreciate the quality and variety of clothes, bags, shoes, collectibles, books, jewellery, housewares and other items we have. The shop is open from 9am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday and 10am 3 pm on Saturdays. We hope to see you there! Our client, young mother and her 5 year old daughter, from the St Vincent de Paul Conference, Avalon is seeking affordable accomodation preferably in the Avalon vicinity, as her 5 year old daughter has been accepted to Maria Regina Primary School.If you are able to help in their situation, could you please call Sue Bowra at For the needy, help is available by contacting the Brookvale Centre during business hours. We Pray fo Deceased Anniversary All Souls in Purgatory Matthew Seve Sonny Alejandre Matthew Williams Eternal Rest Grant Unto Them O Lord, And Let Perpetual Light Shine Upon Them. May they Rest in Peace. Amen. May Their Souls And The Souls Of The Faithful Departed, Through The Mercy Of God, Rest In Peace. Amen. If you would like the names of your relatives or friends and offerings included, please drop the envelope in to the Parish Office by Midday on Wednesdays. Thank You. Recently Deceased Alana de Kort Ewan Faulkner Peter Carrodus George Seve Bernard Horan Sebastian Symond Prayers for the Sick Paulina Fabian Madeleine Reicher Natasha Britt Milka Marov Carol Brennan Annette Leary Edward Hogan Rufina Criss Tayla Riddle Warwick Carpenter Elizabeth Davis Mary Seymour Allessio Angelucci Xavier Flory Neave Mackey Sally Leong Kevin Begaud Rachel Weldrick Antoinetta Knapp Donald McRae Stefanie Romeo Danny Rosen Sasha White Ann Harvey Jo Wild Rita Farrelly Lina Bruno Caruso Jeff Guerra Sue Poulton Craig Callahan Daryl Holland Veronica Ann Gracie Kerrie Gill Peter Hector Jack Burai Manpreet Kaur Ricky Gomez Danilo Kalingasan Therese Nouak Vera Bateman Marion Russell Sandra Pyper This list will be updated every month and we would appreciate it if we are advised, if further reconsideration is required. Thank you from Our Schools Mater Maria Catholic College What a busy week we have had at the College this week. Monday saw students competing in throwing events for our Athletics Carnival that was cancelled in Term 2 due to bad weather. On Tuesday Year 8 students and parents attended our annual Electives Information Evening and parents and students visiting the Year 12 Visual Arts/TAS Major Works Display and Drama Trials. On Wednesday and Thursday we had Japanese exchange students visiting us, these students were warmly welcomed. Finally, Friday saw our Year 10 students and parents attending their subject selection interviews in preparation of their senior years. MISSING The dvd MOLOKAI has been missing from the Maria Regina Church Library for some time, and Left To Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza - Discovering God amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." It would be very grateful if the DVD and book be returned, as soon as possible for others to enjoy them. Trish Newman BOOK REVIEW Catechism of the Catholic Church This amazing book will explain every question you ask about your beliefs and understanding, or misunderstanding of the doctrines of the Church. The word catechism means instruction and is a valuable resource for all Catechists and bible study. The Catholic Parish of Pittwater Anointing Mass At Nursing Homes And Retirement Villages MINKARA NURSING HOME Tuesday 21st August at 10.30am Anointing Mass SEABEACH GARDENS NURSING HOME Tuesday 21st August at 11.30am Anointing & Communion BAYVIEW GARDEN NURSING HOME Tuesday 21st August at 1.30pm Anointing Mass ESTIA HEALTH (PENINSULAR GARDEN NURSING HOME) Tuesday 21st August at 2.30pm Anointing & Communion AVALON HOUSE NURSING HOME Wednesday 22nd August at 10.45am Anointing & Communion MARCUS LOANE NURSING HOME Wednesday 22nd August at 2.00pm Anointing Mass Thursday Morning Spirituality Group: All are invited. We have begun a new book - Gaudete Et Exsultate - Rejoice and Exult Apostolic Exhortation or the Call to Holiness in today s world by Pope Francis Morning tea at am and Meeting at noon. Trish Newman Disabled Parking Area There are 2 Disabled Parking Spaces available on the Church grounds. Please observe the signs and refrain from parking in the Disabled Parking Area or in the driveway, especially during the weekends when Mass is on, and reserve this for our parishioners who are in need of the space. Thank you

3 MASS TIMES SACRED HEART CHURCH 1 Keenan Street, Mona Vale VOCATION REFLECTION DAY Weekday Masses 9.15am Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (except 1st Friday of the month) Weekend Masses 5.00pm Saturday Vigil 8.00am 9.30am 4.00pm Croatian (1st & 3rd Sunday) 6.00pm (SOUL) Sunday Reconciliation 4.00pm to 4.30pm Saturday Baptism 4th Sunday am Reconciliation, Exposition Adoration & Benediction 10.00am First Friday of the month ( no 9.15am weekday mass) Anointing of the Sick 11.00am First Friday of the month ( no 9.15am weekday mass) MARIA REGINA CHURCH 7 Central Road, Avalon Weekday Masses 9.15am Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Congratulations and Happy Birthday Jo, on the occasion of the celebration of your 100th birthday today. Vocation Reflection Days are designed to help young men decide what direction their future will take. FIRST September 2018 Sacred Heart Church, Pymble 2 Richard Porter Way, Pymble 10am to 3.30pm Cost: FREE Program: 10am: Welcome Coffee and Tea 10.30am: Morning Prayer 11am: Talk 11.45am: Mass 12.30pm: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 1pm: Lunch 2pm: Bowling 3.30pm: Finish INFO VOCATION@SDS.ORG.AU Weekend Masses 6.00pm Saturday Vigil 9.00am Sunday Reconciliation Before Vigil Mass on Saturday Baptism 3rd Sunday am Reconciliation, Exposition Adoration & Benediction 8.00am First Thursday of the month followed by 9.15am mass) Anointing of the Sick 9.15am First Friday in January, March, May, July, September and November Alpha is an opportunity to explore life, faith and God in a friendly, open and informal environment. If you re years old, please join us for our Alpha series and feel free to bring along Christians, agnostic and atheist friends. Time: 7.30pm on Sundays, starting from 19th August. Location: Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale, Parish Centre INVITATION TO ALL CATHOLICS AND NON-CATHOLICS IN OUR PARISH We would like to invite you on a journey as Jesus has invited people on a journey more than 2000 years ago who wanted to know him, to find out who he really was, what he was teaching and how he would answer many burning life questions. We can promise you an exciting journey, as many of our previous members have testified Our new RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) starts 5 September with tea and coffee at 7.15pm and a meeting from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, in the Parish Centre Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale. For more information, please call Erich Ott Our parish affirms the dignity and worth of all children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care. We have a strong commitment to the wellbeing, belonging and security of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

4 Salvatorians all over the world celebrate the centenary of the death of our founder Fr. Francis Mary of the Cross Jordan on 8 September 2018 Join us on Saturday, 8 September for Mass at 5pm, at Sacred Heart Church, Mona Vale. A light supper follows. On Saturday, 8 September, there will not be a 6pm Mass at Maria Regina Church.

5 15 Aug What is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Firstly at no time in history has Christendom venerated a grave or tomb of the Blessed Virgin. Until the 5th century of Christianity there was not even a legend concerning her place of burial. There is absolutely no relic of Our Lady's body in existence; nor has any person or city ever claimed possession of such a relic. From the earliest times of the Church, the faithful venerated the remains of the Saints. Relics of the Apostles and of thousands of martyrs are preserved in shrines and caskets. The sacred remains of Mary could not have been lost or neglected. Dogma and Definition When Pope Pius IX defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, it drew attention to the possibility of a dogmatic definition of the Assumption. Both are truths not found explicitly in the Bible which was when many petitioned the Apostolic See for an immediate definition. Between 1849 and 1940 more than 2,500 petitions were received from bishops and superiors or religious orders across the world of which more than 73% came from the Catholic hierarchy. Finally on 1 November in the Holy Year, 1950, the day after the closing of the International Marian Congress in Rome, Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. Wednesday, 15 August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, "having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory". This great event took place in St Peter's Piazza in the presence of 40 Cardinals, 500 bishops, thousands of priests and more than a million of the faithful. "Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory," Pope Pius told the masses. For many, the most telling verification of the Assumption can be found not only in learned theological studies or definitive doctrinal statements, but in the medium of Mary's many apparitions which the Church has declared worthy of belief. Where these apparitions have appeared have become beloved Holy shrines visited by millions each year and include the Shrines of Our Lady at Guadaloupe, Lourdes and Fatima. Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary's body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary. Historical Background Although some scholars insist there is no historical data to prove the historical fact of the Assumption, apart from faith there is also strong and reasoned data to support the event. In the first sixteen centuries of Christianity no reputable theologian or school of theology ever questioned the dogma of the Assumption. In addition there was also the solid and deep-rooted conviction among the first Christians that something extraordinary happened to Our Lady at the moment of her departure from this life. This found expression in writings, sermons, devotional practices, and prayers to Mary "assumed into heaven", and was followed by churches, religious orders, cities and nations across the world dedicating or consecrating to her under the title of Assumption. The first believed to have asked what had happened to Mary's body was St Epiphanius, a 4th Century bishop who devoted himself to the study of Mary's death and believed Our Lady did not die but instead was recalled to heaven. The feast day of this holy and momentous event stems from the middle of the 5th Century when the Commemoration of the Mother of God was celebrated each year on 15 August in a shrine located near Jerusalem. More than 100 years later, the feast also commemorated the end of Mary's sojourn on earth and was known as the "Dormition of Our Lady." The feast was introduced to Rome in the 8th Century by Pope Sergius and from there it spread rapidly throughout western Europe, with Pope Hadrian later giving the Feast Day its official name as the Assumption of Mary towards the end of the Century. The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Holy Day of Obligation) Wednesday 15 August Mass Times SACRED HEART CHURCH 9.15am with Mater Maria Catholic College 11.30am with Sacred Heart School 7.30pm MARIA REGINA CHURCH 9.15am with Maria Regina School and Mater Maria Catholic College

6 The Living Word First Reading 1 Kgs 19:4-8 A reading from the first book of Kings Strengthened by the food, he walked to the mountain of the Lord. Elijah went into the wilderness, a day s journey, and sitting under a furze bush wished he were dead. Lord, he said I have had enough. Take my life: I am no better than my ancestors. Then he lay down and went to sleep. But an angel touched him and said, Get up and eat. He looked round, and there at his head was a scone baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. But the angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, Get up and eat, or the journey will be too long for you. So he got up and ate and drank, and strengthened by that food he walked for forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. The word of the Lord Responsorial Psalm Ps 33:2-9. R. v.9 (R.) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad. (R) Glorify the Lord with me. Together let us praise his name. I sought the Lord and he answered me; from all my terrors he set me free. (R) Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called; the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress. (R) The angel of the Lord is encamped around those who revere him, to rescue them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He is happy who seeks refuge in him. (R) Second Reading Eph 4:30 5:2 A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians Walk in love, just as Christ. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who has marked you with his seal for you to be set free when the day comes. Never have grudges against others, or lose your temper, or raise your voice to anybody, or call each other names, or allow any sort of spitefulness. Be friends with one another, and kind, forgiving each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ. Try, then, to imitate God, as children of his that he loves, and follow Christ by loving as he loved you, giving himself up in our place as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God. The word of the Lord Gospel Acclamation Jn 6:51 Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living bread from heaven, says the Lord; whoever eats this bread will live for ever. Alleluia! Gospel Jn 6:41-51 A reading from the holy Gospel according to John I am the living bread come down from heaven. The Jews were complaining to each other about Jesus, because he had said, I am the bread that came down from heaven. Surely this is Jesus son of Joseph they said. We know his father and mother. How can he now say, I have come down from heaven? Jesus said in reply, Stop complaining to each other. No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God, and to hear the teaching of the Father, and learn from it, is to come to me. Not that anybody has seen the Father, except the one who comes from God: he has seen the Father. I tell you most solemnly, everybody who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world. The Gospel of the Lord. REFLECTION by Dianne Bergant CSS There are times God seems to ask too much of us. We labour for others, but do not see the fruits of our labour. Our families take us for granted, and we are exploited at work. This is particularly trying when we only wanted to be of service to others, to help them wherever we could. What's the point of giving of oneself when it only seems to be futile? In this we are like Elijah. There are other times when we are challenged to change our way of thinking and to accept what seems to make extraordinary demands on us. A new way of understanding church may call us to be open to the cultural diversity within the community. Or it might claim that we have a responsibility toward the poor and homeless in our midst. New biblical insights make us question our familiar understanding of God or of Jesus or of ourselves. In this we might be like the Jews who murmured against Jesus. We want evidence to substantiate these radical new claims. But the evidence that Jesus offered could only be accepted in faith. And so it is with us. When we ask God for some kind of sign that will assure us that this new challenge is really what God wants, the answers received must themselves be accepted and understood in faith. The only assurance we have is rooted in faith, and those who are not open in faith will not understand. God does indeed ask a great deal from us. Dianne Bergant CSS Fr David Ranson appointed Diocesan Administrator The College of Consultors of the Diocese of Broken Bay, the group of priests who have a canonical and civil role in the governance of the Diocese, met on 3 August to fulfil its duty of electing a priest to serve as Diocesan Administrator, in the absence of a bishop following the appointment of Most Rev Peter A Comensoli as ninth Archbishop of Melbourne. It is with great pleasure that I make the announcement on behalf of the Consultors that Rev Dr David Ranson has been duly elected as Diocesan Administrator, effective immediately. I thank the Consultors for the confidence that they have placed in me by their election; and I assume this service to our local Church of Broken Bay with every sense of the responsibility that it entails. We are blessed in the Diocese with strong leadership, including the College of Consultors, who I know will give great support and guidance during this time of transition. As Diocesan Administrator, Fr David will lead the Diocese of Broken Bay until the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appoints a new bishop. During this period between bishops, Canon Law states that there can be no innovation, but the many initiatives of Bishop Comensoli s can be progressed through to their conclusion, with many functions and ministries of the Church continuing as normal. We go forward progressing the many initiatives of Bishop Comensoli s exemplary leadership of the last three and half years, and, together, we await with prayerful and expectant hearts the appointment of a new Shepherd to lead us into the future, May we join in prayerful support for Fr David and his ministry, and for our community of Broken Bay as we now move into a new stage in our journey.

7 MICHAEL PAUL Experienced Catholic Accredited Specialist Family Lawyer Family Law Issues Family Trusts Wills & Succession Planning Contested Estate Issues Suite 29, Level 4 Gateway Building 1 Mona Vale Road Tel: mpaul@millsoakley.com.au millsoakleyfamilylawsydney Liturgy for the Week 13/08 Monday Ordinary Time 19 Ezek 1:2-5, 24-28; Mt 17: /08 Tuesday St Maximilian Mary Kolbe, priest, martyr Ezek 2:8 3:4; Mt 18:1-5, 10, /08 Wednesday The ASSUMPTION of the BLESSED VIRGIN MARY Vigil: 1 Chr 15:3-4, 15-16, 16:1-2; 1 Cor 15:54-57; Lk 11:27-28 Day: Apoc 11:19, 12:1-6, 10; 1 Cor 15:20-26; Lk 1: /08 Thursday Ordinary Time 19 Ezek 12:1-12; Mt 18:21-19:1 54 Darley Street Mona Vale The Christian ideal, especially in families, is a love that never gives up. (Pope Francis) 17/08 Friday Ordinary Time 19 Ezek 16:1-15, 60, 63 or Ezek 16:59-63; 18/08 Saturday Ordinary Time 19 Ezek 18:1-10, 13, 30-32; Mt 19:13-15

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